Yorkshire pub receives £264,000 makeover
The Falcon pub, located on Falkland road in Hull, reopened Thursday 24 October following a £264,000 investment. The pub is part of Admiral Taverns award-winning community wet-led division, Proper Pubs.
Internally the site has benefitted from a full refit of the function room and bar area alongside a new TV system equipped with Sky, TNT Sports and horse racing channels. A new games room, double dartboard, pool and dominoes areas are also available.
Additionally, the Falcon also features a new colour scheme in line with the Hull Rovers kit, in order to draw more sports fans to the site.
Outside, the Falcon now features newly installed lighting and signage in its beer garden, which is useable year-round.
In celebration of the opening, the venue held various entertainment evenings, including a prosecco reception and cocktail sampling with a live performance from local artist Dylan Ward on Thursday 24 October.
Operator at the Falcon Bella Wilkinson said: “We had a fantastic opening weekend. I loved being able to celebrate with the whole community and our fantastic team. The reception that we have received has been amazing and goes to show how important the pub is to the local area.
"I would love to thank everyone including everyone at Proper Pubs for all their support in bringing my vision to life and getting the pub ready to welcome customers.”
The Falcon showcases hosts a variety of entertainment nights, including regular karaoke, live music, quiz nights and DJ sets. Regular pool and darts teams are also hosted and a number of food and drink promotions are also available.
Wilkinson added she hoped to introduce regular fundraising events for causes in line with the local community in the future.
Proper Pubs operations director Matthew Gurney said: “The refurbishment at The Falcon looks fantastic and it was wonderful to see how brilliantly opening weekend went – Bella and the team have been a pleasure to work alongside throughout this whole process.
"On behalf of the Proper Pubs, we would like to wish our community hero, Bella, every success in making the Falcon a fantastic hub of the community.”
Banx Pub Company takes on third Star Pubs lease
Banx Pub Company, the Midlands South West multiple operator, has recently taken on the lease of the Princess Royal in Stoke on Trent. Paired with Heineken owned Star Pubs, the company is undertaking a £123,000 upgrade at the community local.
The Princess Royal will be Banx Pub Company’s third lease with Star pubs, with six other sites based on temporary management agreements. The latest acquisition brings the amount of pubs in Banx Company’s estate up to 18.
The family run company was established in 2021 by husband and wife team Shelley & Graham Tongue and now has a turnover of around £6m.
Banx Pub Company general manager Jamie Newbold said: “Our current growth rate is around three to four pub investments per year. Our ambition is to have 20 pubs by the end of 2025 and 30 pubs in the medium term. However, there’s no limit on our growth plans given we can identify the right pubs and publicans to run them.”
The pubs included under the company are a mix of leasehold and free of tie and include both community wet led pubs and city centre late night venues.
Newbold continued: “We pride ourselves on our ability to assess the direction of a site based on its personality and demographic before then sourcing the perfect person to manage it.“
“We find it refreshing working with Star Pubs as we are honest with one another about their pubs and our mutual objectives. They believe in our company and our long-term goals.”
The site is set to see a complete internal and external redecoration, with inside seating to be increased from 65 to 72. The venue closed on 21 October and is expected to reopen following the renovations in mid November.
Star Pubs Business Development Manager, Andrew Myatt stated: “The Princess Royal is a very popular local. We’re delighted to be co-investing with Banx Pub Group in the Princess Royal to improve the surroundings for local residents to socialise in.”
“The Banx Pub Company has a great track record of taking on and creating popular pubs. We look forward to helping them realise their growth ambitions in the years to come.”
Historic Hackney pub re-opens after refurb
William IV, located in Shepherdess Walk, Old Street, has been refurbished by Lee Godwin and Mike Harrington. With more than a decade of experience at various venues, the pair have previously helped to grow venues like Mare Street Market and the Well and Bucket.
The upstairs dining room boasts a menu that is changed daily and is centred around British fare and pub culture, and showcases seasonal produce with a focus on both quality and affordability. Highlights include oysters and fresh seafood alongside British classics.
Downstairs, the pub menu offers items such as slow-cooked mutton pie, braised in Guinness stock, as well as a range of snack dishes such as anchovy parmesan fries, pickled mussels, rarebit crumpet, and fried pork belly. Roast dinners are also available on Sundays.
A selection of European and British beers are availble on draught at the William IV alongside an ever-growing "Cellar List" of wines and spirits as well as classic, well-crafted cocktails including Martinis and Negroni.
Built in 1838 and named after William IV, “The Sailor King,” who ruled for just seven years, the pub embraces its historical significance, showcasing Georgian interiors, large shuttered windows and original features and roaring fires. The sites private Pink Room also boasts a period dining room for gatherings of up to 12.
Godwin said: "We’ve always believed outstanding food and drink should be within everyone’s reach. That’s why we’ve teamed up with top-tier suppliers to deliver the highest quality ingredients and culinary excellence at William IV, all at a price that’s affordable.”
He continued: “In today’s economy, indulging in luxury every day isn’t practical, so we’re committed to offering a premium dining experience for everyday dining. We’re excited to create a space where guests can enjoy both beloved pub classics and elevated dishes under one roof."
Henley Pub Co. opens Duke Pub and restaurant
Henley Pub Co. from Henry Day, has acquired the Duke pub and restaurant on Duke Street in Henley on Thames. The site is set to open in early December, following the Royal and the Coachmakers Arms, both situated in Wallingford.
The 2600 square ft pub and restaurant is currently undergoing refurbishment to create 65 covers, an enhanced bar area, dining room and a small courtyard. The pub will feature Henley Pub Co.’s signature style with a colour scheme incorporating naval blues, burgundy and light blues alongside textures that reflect the history of the pub as well as the local area.
Meanwhile the Duke's menu will showcase small plates and utilise seasonal British ingredients, with Sunday roasts a key feature, alongside a carefully selected wine list, local cask ales, beers and cocktails.
The opening of the Duke brings the total number of pubs operated by Henley Pub Co. to three.
Day commented: “The Duke is set to be a real foodie destination with the menu changing often to reflect the seasons. I want people to pop in for a really good pub lunch, dinner or Sunday roast with friends and family, or for a quick pint or leisurely glass of wine in the bar and feel like the pub has always been part of Henley life.”
The Crown Colliery receives a £190,000 investment
The Crown Colliery, located on Hedworth Lane in Boldon Colliery, reopened on Wednesday 30 October following an investment of £190,000. The site is part of Admiral Taverns Proper Pubs division.
Features of the refurbishment include updated flooring as well as new furniture, fixtures fittings and lighting, in order to give the pub a brighter, more modernised atmosphere.
In addition, the Crown Colliery features a new audio system along with five flat screen televisions complete with Sky Sports, TNT Sports and horse racing channels. Externally, the beer garden has been revamped to create a space for customers to enjoy all year round.
The site also offers a wide range of drink options, including Wine Wednesday, where customers can get £2 off a bottle and Fizz Friday, offering customers a bottle of fizz for £10 along with cocktails and bottle and shot deals throughout the week.
In celebration of the reopening, the pub hosted a live performance from glam rock singer, Micky Glamz, with entertainment continuing throughout the weekend.
Operator at the Crown Colliery Bev Wareham said: “We had a brilliant opening weekend, and I thoroughly enjoyed being able to celebrate with everyone! We have already received a great reception from customers and local residents, and we look forward to cementing the pub at the heart of the community.”
She continued: “I would like to thank absolutely everybody who came along to celebrate with us at the weekend, as well as the team at Proper Pubs for all their support in helping me bring my vision to life.”
The Crown Colliery also run a busy schedule of entertainment including regular karaoke, live music, quiz nights and DJ sets as well as regular pool and darts teams also offered. Going forward, there are further plans for the introduction of frequent fundraising events for causes focused around supporting those who have been affected by cancer.
Proper Pubs operations director Matthew Gurney added: “The refurbishment at The Crown Colliery looks amazing and it’s been a pleasure seeing what a success opening weekend was. Bev, and the whole team, worked incredibly hard to get everything ready and in perfect condition so it’s fantastic to see how much the community is already enjoying the pub.”
Chickpea Group to open first pub in Dorset
The Pub that was made famous in the Hovis adverts of yesteryear has been acquired and reopened by the Chickpea Group.
The King’s arms in Shaftesbury will be the Chickpea Groups first pub in Dorset. The site dates back to the 17th century with features including an open fireplace as well as handmade blinds, tables, chairs and soft furnishings. Upon re-reopening the site will operate seven days per week from 11am until 11pm and will serve a variety of menu options.
Chickpea Group ‘pub bangers’ will be available across the 100- cover dining space. Their famous Nole Pizzas will also be available. Roast dinners will also be available on Sundays.
Local ales and beers will be on offer with an extensive wine list and varied cocktail offering. One room at the site, which was previously used as a games room are and pool table, is set to be redesigned, with a separate entrance and used as a revolving pop up concept upon the reopening.
The new addition will be a chance for the team to bring in seasonal special guests, retail offerings and more. The site will also be dog friendly and showcase a courtyard with tables and planters throughout the warmer months.
Freehold interest of The Lanes Hotel Brighton, now on the Market
Fleurets, is marketing the freehold interest of the Lanes Hotel, in Brighton.
Owned and operated by the Beard family since 1997, the Lanes Hotel is situated along Brighton seafront. The Grade II listed property is now on the market for the guide price of £3,700,000 and boasts 33 en-suite letting bedrooms, all showcasing the site's original features. The venue offers a fully licensed bar, as well as breakfast, dining rooms, and lounges. In line with the Brighton & Hove City Plan Part One, the property lies outside of the designated Hotel Core Zone.
The Beard family commented on the sale: “Our family has owned this hotel for over two and a half decades, creating countless wonderful memories through the years. However, due to changes in our family’s circumstances, we have made the difficult decision to sell. We are grateful to Fleurets for assisting us through this transition." They continued: "We truly believe this is a fantastic opportunity for the new owners to build upon the legacy we’ve created and to own a very special property overlooking the sea and Brighton Pier, which is rarely available.”
Nick Earee, Divisional Director of Fleurets, said: "The Lanes Hotel offers a remarkable chance to acquire a substantial property on the iconic Brighton seafront. This unique opportunity allows you to own a piece of Brighton’s heritage while building on its success." He stated: "With its rich history and prime location, we anticipate significant interest from potential buyers, so please do get in touch.”
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